Santiago, founded in 1541 by Pedro de Valdivia, is the largest and most modern city in Chile, and potentially throughout all of South America. Situated in a valley within the Andes Mountains, the city boasts about its relatively temperate climate and modernism. The city is frequented by travelers from all over South America due to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, a major hub for flights to the southern cone of the continent. ​In addition to its international visitors, Chile has the strongest economy in all of Latin America. The country has great relations with the United States, Asia, and the European Union, as this allows them to boast free or discounted international trade throughout foreign markets. The city has a classic mix of modern and classical infrastructure that resembles that of cities within South America. With this guide, check out some of the best things that Chile’s capital has to offer.

Cerro San CristobalAtop Cerro San Cristobal (San Cristobal Hill), you get a great look at the entire city of Santiago from above with the Andes Mountains as the backdrop. There are many ways to get to the top, as many locals hike or ride bikes along the winding roadways of the hill. It is also possible by driving, or by riding the funicular from Bellavista, which is popular option for tourists of all ages.

Cerro San LuciaLocated right in the center of Santiago, this hill takes 15-20 minutes to climb and provides a 360° panoramic view within the city. Get ready to climb some slippery steps on the way up (so bring supportive footwear). During the climb, there are various murals, statues, lookouts, and ponds hidden all over the cerro, and multiple ways to get to the top. So take your time and explore!

Palacio de La MonedaThe presidential palace of Chile, which was originally built as the Chilean mint, is right in Santiago Centro. They offer free guided tours of the building but you must schedule your tour one week in advance. They have a changing of the guard ceremony every other day at 10am, and at 11am on the weekend.

Bellas ArtesA historical neighborhood in the center of Santiago, Chile and now a popular tourist hub, Barrio Bellas Artes (also called Barrio Lastarria) is the best neighborhood in all of Santiago. From theaters, museums, restaurants, and bars to its beautiful public parks and easy access to many of the city’s other main attractions, Bellas Artes is the place to be. Festivals and live performances are commonly held throughout the streets and highlight the area’s bohemian influence.

Try Ice Cream at Emporio La RosaFound in the bohemian neighborhood of Bellas Artes, Emporio La Rosa is always atop any list of the best places to try ice cream (or helado) in Santiago. With both traditional flavors as well as some strange, but interesting, combinations, the options are endless. For about $2 USD (or 1,500 CLP) you can indulge in the perfect treat for a warm summer day.

Museum Hop in Quinta NormalWith many museums in such a close area, it’s easy to spend more than a few days exploring the museums and learning about the history of Santiago and Chile. A popular museum to start at is the Museo de la Memoria y de los Derechos Humanos(the Museum of Memory and Human Rights) where they have guided tours in English or you can rent an English audio guide if you prefer. In addition, El Museo Nacional de Historia Natural(Museum of Natural History), the Museo Ferroviario (the Railway Museum), and The Artequin, which displays replicas of the world’s masterpieces such as Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”, are very close and make for a great rainy day adventure.

Try Mote con HuesilloWhat looks like a brown liquid with pieces of rice and some ball of cheese in the liquid is actually a popular Chilean summer-time drink. Mote con Huesillo is a sweet iced tea-like mixture made from the nectar of dried peaches, with corn, and pieces of fruit in it. Generally eaten by the indigenous Mapuche people of Chile, the drink is considered a staple among Santiago’s street vendors.